For each hospital area, OSHA highlights some of the specific OSHA requirements, as well as recognized controls, that are likely relevant to this particular area. Recognized controls may be required by specific OSHA requirements (such as requirements for the use of respirators, other PPE, and/or work practice, administrative, or engineering controls), but even if not, these controls may be required by OSHA's general duty clause, 29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1), which requires each employer to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees."

OSHA's focus on particular hazards, requirements and controls in a particular hospital area does not signify that the hazards, requirements and controls discussed are the only applicable hazards, requirements and controls for this area. To this end, the fact that OSHA highlights hazards, requirements, and controls in one area, but does not highlight them in another area, does not signify that the hazards, requirements, and controls highlighted in the other area are not applicable to both areas. Employers need to conduct a thorough worksite hazard analysis to determine the full range of hazards to which employees are exposed and the full range of controls that will protect workers from those hazards.